Question

What does it mean for an atom to be in an excited state, and how can it occur?

a) An excited state occurs when an atom gains energy, often through heat, causing its electrons to move to higher energy levels.
b) An excited state occurs when an atom loses energy, often through cooling, causing its electrons to move to lower energy levels.
c) An excited state is when an atom is isolated in a vacuum.
d) An excited state is the ground state of an atom.

Answer 1

An atom in an excited state has absorbed energy, causing its electrons to move to higher energy levels. The atom then releases this energy and returns to its ground state, emitting light.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the Bohr model of the atom, the ground state is the lowest energy state of an atom where the electrons are in their lowest possible energy levels.

When an atom absorbs energy, such as through heat or light, its electrons can move to higher energy levels, creating an excited state. The atom remains in the excited state for a brief time and then spontaneously returns to its ground state, emitting light in the process.